Every novice or expert gardener has had a run-in or two with a persistent squirrel. These rambunctious rodents are hard to avoid. After all, there are more than 200 squirrel species in the world.
And, like it or not, there are probably plenty of squirrels in your neighborhood. Squirrels eat all kinds of food, including nuts, seeds, insects, and plants. They are highly adaptable and will root through garbage to find food.
But if they can find fresh vegetation in your garden, they’ll go for it—and that’s frustrating for gardeners. So you might consider Irish Spring soap squirrel repellent if you’re trying to repel squirrels. But does it work? Let’s find out.
Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Squirrels?
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that Irish Spring soap really does keep squirrels away from your garden. But, if that’s true, how does it work?
If you’ve ever used Irish Spring, you know it has a strong, overpowering scent. Some would describe the smell as an air freshener, but it includes hints of floral and citrus. Because the smell is so strong, squirrels—among other critters—want nothing to do with it.
The squirrels will stay away from the soap. So if it’s in your garden, they’ll also stay away from that area.
How To Use Irish Spring Soap to Repel Squirrels
There are two effective ways to use Irish Spring soap to repel squirrels: cubes and grated soap.
To try the first method, cut bars of Irish Spring soap into half-inch cubes. Place them on the end of stakes and position the stakes throughout your garden or in your planters. You can opt to place the cubes in fabric drawstring pouches and hang them from the stakes.
Alternatively, you can also try grating a bar of soap. Collect the shavings and sprinkle them on the ground throughout your garden. Creating a perimeter around your garden may also be enough to do the trick and keep squirrels out.
Natural Alternatives to Repel Squirrels
Not everyone loves using soap in their garden, although it is considered environmentally safe. Here are a few natural alternatives to help repel squirrels.
Hot Peppers
Hot peppers make an excellent squirrel repellent. One bite of a tomato covered in something spicy will send a squirrel running.
The best part is that you can use hot peppers in various forms. To make a spicy spray, chop up whole peppers and put them in a spray bottle with hot water. Sprinkle dried pepper flakes or powder on and around your plants.
It’s also safe to mix spicy powders into bird seeds. It won’t harm the birds and will deter the squirrels.
Herbs and Spices
Squirrels are not fans of certain herbs and spices. Like Irish Spring soap, they don’t like the smell. Try using one of the following to keep squirrels away:
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Cloves
- Onion
- Lemongrass
Make sprays using herbs, spices, and essential oils, and apply them on plants where you frequently see squirrels.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, commonly called ACV, solves many home problems. And because it has a strong odor that squirrels don’t like, it can help keep them away from your plants, bird feeders, and other areas.
Put some in a spray bottle and apply it wherever you need it.
Irish Spring Soap Squirrel Repellent: Final Thoughts
Squirrels can be real nuisance animals, especially for anyone trying to grow a vegetable garden. Avoid the frustration by placing cubes or shavings of Irish Spring soap in and around your garden.
The additional methods listed above can also help keep squirrels away from your plants, stop them digging up bulbs and out of certain areas. Try these tricks to save your plants.